Retail sector offers a lifeline to seafood wholesaler

An established seafood supplier which saw a huge chunk of its business “disappear overnight” due to the pandemic has successfully switched course by providing its produce to retailers.

Ramus Seafood, of Grimsby, which has operated for nearly 50 years, has been supplying its fresh fish and seafood to restaurants and hotels.

But with changing shopping habits and the pandemic decimating the hospitality trade, second-generation owner Alistair Ramus saw an opportunity to reposition the business by developing a range of premium quality fish and seafood products for the retail market.

His company has now joined forces with northern England supermarket chain, Booths.

Ramus said: “Much of our business disappeared overnight and we had to adapt quickly to supply fish and seafood in a different way.

“Our retail range was launched in early 2020, comprising both fresh and oven-ready solutions. We are excited that customers who value fine seafood can still access our products.”

Whilst still offering its services to the hospitality industry, his company’s newfound flexibility has proved a success.

In less than 12 months, the business has begun working with over 150 local independent food stores and its range has expanded to include a line of chef-prepared products (Ramus Kitchen), which complement the fresh fish range.

Ramus’s products will be stocked in Booths stores from this month.